Boston’s Wells suspended

NOTES

Boston Red Sox pitcher David Wells was suspended for six games for making contact with two umpires. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Wells would appeal, allowing him to start Friday night’s game against the New York Yankees.

Wells was ejected in the seventh inning by second-base umpire Chris Guccione in a 6-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on July 2.

After being thrown out, Wells walked toward Guccione and the pair screamed at each other brim-to-brim before they were separated. First baseman Kevin Millar and umpire Angel Hernandez came over to try to help settle things down, and Wells apparently made contact with Hernandez as well.

While appealing the suspension, Wells earned the win against New York, allowing one run on five hits in seven innings as Boston won 17-1.

“Atlanta Braves catcher Johnny Estrada was also suspended by Major League Baseball for making contact with an umpire. Estrada was suspended three games for bumping Doug Eddings during a June 30 game against Florida.

Brown throws off mound

New York Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown reported no problems after throwing 69 pitches off a mound as part of his rehabilitation program for a back injury.

Brown, who has chronic back trouble, went on the disabled list for the 13th time in his career June 18. It was the third mound session this week for the right-hander who the Yankees hope could rejoin the rotation as soon as Monday.

Brown said the next test is to see how his back feels today.

Clearing the bases

Chicago Cubs outfielder Adam Greenberg, who was struck in the head last week on the first pitch he faced in the major leagues, was placed on the 15-day DL with a concussion. … The New York Mets activated first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz from the DL and designated first baseman Brian Daubach for assignment.